Wanting to get a puppy

DKLS

I would pick a breed suited to your lifestyle. e.g If your idea of exercise is walking to the car, a collie or springer isnt advisable.

Fire_Fox

Few (if any) reputable breeders or rescues will allow you to adopt a dog over Christmas because it's too high risk - you would have to get a farmed puppy. Bear in mind reputable breeders time their litters and have waiting lists, they don't just have puppies ready to go all year round.

If you definitely want a pedigree go through one of the breed clubs. There is loads of information online about choosing a good breeder - see RSPCA and the Kennel Club for example - also run an advanced search on here because some of the regulars have previously written lengthy posts on this issue.

TBH if you are inexperienced with dogs you would be much better to get an adult than a puppy who needs as much time and attention as a human baby between toileting, walking, playing, puppy classes and stopping unwanted behaviours like chewing. Ordinary pet rescues are one option, there are also breed specific rescues and returned dogs via the Breed Clubs. See Dog Pages and Dogsblog.

Have you considered volunteering or even fostering for a rescue? That will give you dog experience but is not a permanent commitment, although many fosterers end up 'failing' and adopting one of their charges!

hethmar

We always have had rescue dogs, usually mature - one of my now dogs was a puppy due to be put down because he was born disabled - so well, we had to have him, didnt we. Thing is, and this has nothing to do with him being short of 1.5 of his paws - Id forgotten what its like to care for a puppy. It was almost as bad has having a new baby in the house, I was sleeping when he slept because I was so kernackered. And, we arent houseproud, thank goodness, because you will get months of unexpected poos or wees on your carpets and friends walking in same when they visit

A grown dog is a much better option for an inexperienced owner. Someone else has hopefully put in all the training work.